The Shark heads to Ashburton, for Christmas Eve harness racing in search of some last minute stocking fillers.
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Race 1
9 Call This Fun: Local with a fair amount of ability judging by workout and trials runs. Good turn of speed and with manners is hard to beat here.
15 Steel Dust: Work in progress but the ability is certainly there. Notable driver change for today’s assignment. Might make the difference too.
6 Superfast Lad: Might be able to hit back with a bit of form back on the all weather here. Is certainly good enough to be competitive.
13 KD Hawk: Talented, and has shown that at times, but the manners are a bit of a concern. Not a deep field though, so definitely a chance.
Selections: 9-15-6-13
Race 2
16 Under Wraps: There has been plenty to like in the short career to date. No reason why, even from the draw he can’t be major player today.
8 Mighty Reactor: Turned a few heads with a stunning trial win recently. More than good enough to be a player. Don’t leave out.
2 Her Majesty: Into the Mitch Kerr barn. Matt Anderson in the bike. That’s a combination at the moment. Big respect on debut.
11 Estella Reign: Gives the Mowbray stable a strong hand in the race. Good efforts in all public runs thus far. Has to be considered here on debut.
Selections: 16-8-2-11
Race 3
5 Dhaulagiri: Has looked exceptional in workouts and trials and won qualifier with a leg in the air. Looks a good thing on debut if handling the occasion.
15 Pinup Boy: Nigel McGrath and Blair Orange combine for this first starter who showed a bit of raw speed in a recent workout. Big watch on debut.
11 Missmollygoodgolly: Good effort last time out at Addington. This field is about the same depth so certainly needs to be thrown into the mix.
3 The Black Shadow: Given a brief freshen up after the third run. Good runs prior to that and looks a quick maiden winner. Could even be today.
Selections: 5-15-11-3
Race 4
7 Idle Stuartia: All the ability in the world but still learning the craft at this stage. If he does it right, look out. If not, then you’re most likely out of play.
8 Aladdin Sane: Exciting type back from a spell and looked sharp in recent trial. Might need the run, but certainly good enough to handle this field.
19 One Over Da Son: In really good form at the moment but will have to circumnavigate the entire field here. Not saying it can’t be done, but place more than win perhaps.
6 Rogie Falls: Trained on the track and has really come back into some form. Clicked with Ricky May and is the best each way value in this line up.
Selections: 7-8-19-6
Race 5
14 Cheddar Valley: Won like a horse who would win a few more last time out. No a huge jump up in grade either so should be able to make it two from two.
13 One Direction: Not the greatest amount of luck since returning from a spell and meets a very even field here today so offers up some good each way value.
6 Saginaw: Often his own worst enemy. Has a lot of talent but a fair few tricks too. Could just rock up and blow them off the track if in the right mood.
9 Canstar: Better for the two runs back from a spell and despite the wide draw here today he’s one who could get home over the top of them late.
Selections: 14-13-6-9
Race 6
8 Change Is Good: Mare in great form and a with multiple scratchings looks really tough to beat here if she runs up to her current form.
5 Kendra: Been busy, but won’t mind this challenge today. Speedy mare when allowed to have one shot at them and could run them down today.
2 Anamajor: In great form and with good gate speed is sure to give a strong account of herself once again here.
1 Lilac Star: Mot run wasn’t as bad as it probably looks on paper. She’s in good nick and from the inside could be the giant killer late with a cold shot.
Selections: 8-5-2-1
Race 7
7 Jazzy Star: As good as anything in this race and as long as he can handle the stand start and do things right he’s a big chance of winning today. At odds too.
9 Nandolo: Rough and tumble type who won’t mind the dogfight. Will be up with them when things start to get really serious without a doubt.
6 Matt Damon: Up and coming pacer who has been excellent this campaign. Toughest test here for sure, but everything suggests he will measure up to them.
10 Smokin By: Deserved that win last time out and even off the 30m here looks a live chance of being able to grab another one today.
Selections: 7-9-6-10
Race 8
14 Just Michael: Good record this track and might have just been in need of the run last time out. Good enough to swoop on them late with any luck.
16 Darryl Kerrigan: Handled with kid gloves but does have a motor and even off the unruly could be a major player here with a quick getaway.
12 Just Holla: Demolition job first up at Methven and with natural improvement he looks another serious player in this line up today too.
8 Chloe’s Joy: Form is strong and Blair Orange sitting in the bike really helps the chances too. Has to be given a good hope.
Selections: 14-16-12-8
Race 9
10 Lovey Dovey Moment: Three from the last three and just as good as each other too. Loves a dog fight and might put them to the sword here. Hard to stop.
7 Majestic Chevron: Jogged it last time out. Clearly headed for bigger and better things. This is a good test to see just where things are at.
2 Phoebe Onyx: Back to her best in last two starts. Best when saved up for one run. Can be too quick if close enough too.
3 One Apollo: Excellent effort fresh up. Just needs to bring the manners to the part and then he’s right in play in a very good field.
Selections: 1-7-2-3
Race 10
12 Steel The Show: Two from two and looking like a pretty handy type based on those two wins. Step up here, but certainly good enough to handle it. Right in it.
10 Glen Elgin Thomson: Excellent effort to win last time out. Should get a sweet trip again which could be the difference between winning and losing.
1 Shadow Minister: Made up a stack of ground late at The Mot last week. Plum draw here and it might be all out to hold up and keep them honest.
11 Secret Bet: Will get better with racing but a few scratchings here could bring him right into contention. Certainly not the worst.
Selections: 12-10-1-11
Best: 5 Dhauligiri (Race 3)
Next: 10 Lovey Dovey Moment (Race 9)
Value: 14 Just Michael (race 8)
